Noynoy: It’s important for people to know the President’s health

President Rodrigo Duterte's health should be an open book to the public, former President Benigno Aquino III said Tuesday.

“Kung walang issue, kayang-kayang sagutin. Palagay ko naman importante rin ‘yun na magpakalma sa sambayanan na talagang maging klarong-klaro at maliwanag na maliwanag, lalo na pag may nagtatanong,” Aquino told reporters during the commemoration of the 35th death anniversary of his father, the former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

The Constitution mandates that the Cabinet must be fully aware of the President's condition.

“Nasa Constitution ‘yan. If I remember correctly, the Cabinet must be fully aware of the health of the President,” Aquino said.

Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison earlier claimed that Duterte appeared to be sick when the President attended the national convention of the San Beda Law Lex Talionis Fraternitas on Saturday.

Malacañang officials denied Sison’s claim, with Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go posting on Facebook live to show that Duterte was fine.

Asked if the President should show proof that he is the pink of health, Aquino said it would be difficult to do that every time someone raises the issue.

“Parang mahirap naman every time na lang na me nagre-raise ng issue sasagutin, baka wala ka nang ginawa kundi sumagot nang sumagot,” he said.

He said the President can always talk to his Cabinet.

“Palagay ko naman madaling nakakausap niya ang kanyang mga opisyal. Maraming aktibidades ang isang Presidente at madaling ipakita maski hindi diretsang sagutin ‘yung komentaryo ni Joma,” he said.

One of the tests on a person’s health and stamina is the presidential campaign, Aquino further said.

“Pinaka-test siguro nu’ng kampanya. May panahon ba na hindi niya nagawa ‘yung kanyang appearance? Parang wala naman akong naririnig na ganun. ‘Yung trabahong mabigat pag nakikita mo ang suporta ng tao nagkakaroon ng energizing effect maski gaano kabigat ‘yun,” he said.

Aquino's father, Ninoy, was among the opposition leaders arrested in 1973 shortly after Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law in the Philippines. He was incarcerated for seven years.

Following a heart attack, Ninoy was allowed to leave for the United States for medical treatment. He returned to the Philippines on August 21, 1983, when he was assassinated at the Manila International Airport. 

His death inspired many Filipino people to rise up and overthrow the oppressive Marcos regime and later on catapulted his widow, Corazon Aquino, to the presidency.  —VDS/BM, GMA News